The Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), Dr. Josie Tamate, expresses her optimism that the upcoming meeting in Manila will lead to an agreement on a management procedure for South Pacific albacore, a topic that has been delayed for years. Dr. Tamate emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating that the WCPFC’s credibility hinges on their ability to reach a consensus during the discussions.
In an exclusive interview ahead of the WCPFC22 meeting, Dr. Tamate conveyed the progress made in narrowing differences among member states, highlighting a stronger sense of unity and urgency as they prepare for talks. “There is a proposal on the table, and the members will continue their discussions and negotiations,” she stated, adding that previous workshops and consultations have bolstered their commitment to work collaboratively towards adopting a management procedure.
Dr. Tamate is determined to facilitate these discussions, aiming to create an atmosphere conducive to consensus-building. She reflected on the past challenges faced, noting that after years of stalled progress, there are now promising signs of cooperation. She labeled this year as pivotal for South Pacific albacore, underscoring the supportive discussions held by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) group.
One of the most significant developments leading up to the meeting is the FFA’s adoption of a proportional allocation system for South Pacific albacore among its members. This coordinated effort exemplifies the collaborative spirit among Pacific states, crucial for advancing the negotiations. Additionally, there have been calls from observers of the WCPFC urging the adoption of a management procedure at this upcoming session.
Despite the optimistic outlook, Dr. Tamate cautioned that a failure to reach an agreement would have significant repercussions, not only for the fishery and longline industry but also for the Commission’s reputation. She reiterated that the WCPFC had committed to implementing a Harvest Strategy approach over a decade ago, with the expectation that a management plan for South Pacific albacore would have been established by last year—an expectation that was not met.
The meeting will also examine the cooperation between the WCPFC and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), along with the establishment of a Joint Working Group for South Pacific Albacore. Dr. Tamate acknowledged the progress made thus far but remained clear that the stakes are high: “The Commission’s credibility will be on the line if there is no consensus.”
As the region’s leaders come together next week, the outcome will not only test their commitment to sustainable fishing practices but will also determine whether a long-promised long-term harvest strategy for South Pacific albacore is finally achieved. This pivotal moment has the potential to reshape the future of tuna fisheries in the region positively.
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